Controling nerves at a show.

When you compete at a show you could get very nervous. being nervous at a horse show can throw your performance off.

When you are going to a show make sure you can do as much work as possible the night before. You don't want to be running around early in the morning to clean tack or braid your horse when you could have done it the night before.

Make sure you get a good night sleep the night before. I know it is hard to sleep the night of a show. You don't want to be tired when you have to go into your round.

You want to make sure you eat some what healthy while you are at the show. It is hard to eat completely healthy when they only have fast food stands at the show. Try not too eat 3 burgers before your round. The more unhealthy you eat at the show the more likely you are to get sick while you are there. If you feel sick before your round make sure to drink some water.

When at the show I like to listen to music before my round to make sure I stay focused. I will try to stay busy when I'm at the show. If I know that I have to ride soon I will make sure that I focus on my course.

When I know I have lots of time before my class I like to take my horse for a walk around the show grounds to make sure he is calm with what is going on around. If he is nervous I will become more nervous.

Right before my class I like to take my time tacking up my horses. If I know my ride is in and hour and a half i will start to slowly clean up my horse to make sure any small patches of dirt are gone. I will start to tack up my horse. I always want a long time to slowly warm up my horse.

Most importantly when in the ring make sure you try to keep calm by breathing and focusing on your course.

~ Jaida
Give a horse what he needs and he will give you his heart in return.